Ulster To Appoint New Head Coach For 2012/13 Season

Ulster Rugby today confirmed that they will appoint a new head coach for the 2012/13 season, with Brian McLaughlin moving to a senior coaching position within the Ulster Academy on a permanent contract.

Ulster director of rugby David Humphreys today addressed the media speculation that surfaced last week around Brian McLaughlin's future as head coach.

"While we are not yet in a position to confirm who our head coach will be for next season, I can confirm that Brian will remain in a senior coaching position at the province, moving to work with Gary Longwell in our Academy on a permanent basis," explained Humphreys.

"Prior to Christmas, Brian and I discussed his coaching position and he was aware that we were considering a number of different coaching options for next season.

"Traditionally, the two-week break between the conclusion of the Heineken Cup pool stages and the resumption of the RaboDirect PRO12 has been the time when staff and players who are out of contract at the end of the season, are advised of their contractual position for the following season."

McLaughlin took a career break from teaching at RBAI to take the head coach role at Ulster Rugby. He originally joined Ulster Rugby on a two-year contract in June 2009, and last year accepted a permanent senior coaching position at the province while also agreeing a year-long extension as head coach.

Humphreys added: "The option of the Academy role offered Brian long-term stability and the security to leave his teaching job in order to coach full-time.

"We are aiming to make Ulster Rugby a leading force in European rugby and to do that we need to develop our Academy system and elite player pathway.

"Brian has a proven record and a genuine interest in this area and this role offers him an opportunity to shape the future of Ulster Rugby. Our youngsters will benefit enormously from his experience.

"There's no doubting what Brian has achieved in his tenure as head coach over the past two-and-a-half years and we hope that there is more to come this season as we prepare for the Heineken Cup quarter-final and push for a play-off place in the PRO12."

McLaughlin commented: "While I may not be staying on as head coach I know that my coaching future lies with Ulster Rugby.

"We all know the crucial role our overseas players play in our success, but it is imperative we foster local talent in the and my new role within the Academy will ensure that I continue to play a leading role in the development of both Ulster and Irish rugby.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my two-and-a-half seasons at the helm and take huge pride in the success we've had.

"However, with a Heineken Cup quarter-final and a push for a PRO12 play-off spot to come, I'm very much focused on leading Ulster for the remainder of this season and am totally committed to achieving our goals of progression in both competitions."

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.